Kia EV3 named 2025 World Car of the Year, beating BMW and Hyundai.

Kia EV3 has been named 2025 World Car of the Year at the World Car Awards ceremony held today at the New York Auto Show.

The South Korean brand’s compact electric SUV impressed a jury of 96 automotive journalists from 30 countries - with Portugal represented by Guilherme Costa - beating two formidable rivals: the new BMW X3 and the Hyundai Inster/Casper Electric.

This honour gives Kia a second consecutive win at this prestigious international award and marks the third time the manufacturer has taken the top World Car Awards trophy. In 2024, it was the sizeable EV9 that lifted the prize and, before that, in 2020, the equally large Telluride.

“It is a tremendous honour for everyone at Kia to see the EV3 receive this award. This global recognition underlines our leadership in sustainable mobility, innovative design and advanced technology solutions”.

Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia

52 contenders and one winner: the Kia EV3

The 2025 edition featured 52 eligible models from around the world. The Kia EV3 steadily progressed through the field until only three finalists remained - two electric vehicles and one combustion model.

To qualify for the World Car of the Year award, vehicles must be built in volumes above 10,000 units per year, be priced below the luxury segment in their key markets, and be on sale in at least two major markets (such as China, Europe or the US) across two different continents, between 1 January 2024 and 30 March 2025.

Voting was carried out by secret ballot and audited by KPMG. Jurors scored the vehicles based on their professional experience, including road tests and reviews completed throughout the year.

A stage worthy of the honour

The announcement took place in New York, the city that has hosted the World Car Awards ceremony for the past two decades and which, this year, is also celebrating the 125th anniversary of its International Auto Show - the oldest in the United States.

Backed by Brembo, the World Car Awards recognise six categories, including World Luxury Car, World Performance Car and World Urban Car, among others.